Zach Edey: Transitioning from the Paint to the Perimeter
As the Memphis Grizzlies gear up for their upcoming season, one name stands out among their rookie prospects: Zach Edey. At 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Edey is a formidable figure on the court, known predominantly for his impact in the paint. Yet, thanks to the visionary development strategy of Coach Taylor Jenkins, Edey is poised for a transformation that could expand his role far beyond traditional center expectations.
Having spent four years in college, Edey accumulated a reputation for dominating the area beneath the basket. "I'm a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy. I'm built to be in the paint, to carve out space, to protect my area, and that's what I'm going to keep doing," Edey asserts, acknowledging his towering presence. But the Grizzlies envision a broader horizon for him. The coaching staff aims to refine his skill set, not just as a center, but by incorporating a perimeter aspect into his gameplay.
A New Role with New Challenges
The shift won’t be without its challenges. Throughout his college career, Edey attempted merely two 3-pointers, with one successful bank. However, his determination to evolve is palpable. Edey practices diligently, taking extra time pre- and post-practice, as well as during night sessions, to hone his shooting skills. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," confirms Coach Taylor Jenkins, underscoring Edey’s dedication to this new role.
Jenkins’s coaching philosophy reflects a nurturing approach, encouraging patient growth and creative freedom on the court. "I think I just want the game and the decision-making to come to him... I want him to feel like he has the green light," Jenkins remarks, signaling an environment where Edey’s adaptation is fostered through encouragement rather than pressure.
Drawing Comparisons
In the current NBA landscape, players of Edey's stature have often been compared to established big men like Jonas Valančiūnas and Brook Lopez, each bringing distinct attributes to their teams. While Valančiūnas embodies a classic center role, Lopez has demonstrated versatility, especially in spacing the floor alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Intriguingly, Edey perceives himself in a unique dual capacity. "Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me," Edey states confidently, seeing himself as an anchor around which plays can unfold.
His confidence isn't merely theoretical. The mechanics of shooting are entwined within his self-assessment. Edey explains, "I've always said I can shoot. Like, you see it from the free throw line. Obviously, I haven't gotten those in-game reps up and it's going to be a process, but I've always believed I can shoot." This belief in his potential is a critical element as he looks to expand his capabilities on the floor.
A Test Ahead
The Grizzlies are set to test their rookie’s adaptability and skills in their first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. This matchup is not just another preseason fixture but an early window into Edey's transition under the lights of an NBA arena.
Recent practice sessions have included Edey’s involvement in a shooting contest alongside teammate Luke Kennard. However, in terms of team dynamics and skill enhancement, the duo faced tough competition, eventually conceding victory to Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia. Such experiences, though minor in stature, will contribute significantly to Edey's learning curve.
The road ahead for Zach Edey presents as much intrigue as it does challenge. His transformation from a coveted physical center into a multifaceted basketball player involves not only improving skill but also adopting a mindset ripe with flexibility and forward-thinking. Coach Jenkins’s commitment to fostering this journey parallels the Grizzlies’ ambition to maximize Edey’s unique physical and athletic potential. As the season approaches, the NBA world watches closely, eager to see if Edey can indeed redefine what it means to be a modern center in the league.